Job stress linked to long-term sleep loss in middle-aged workers

A new study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine reveals a significant link between high job strain and worsening sleep problems in middle-aged U.S. workers.

Over an average follow-up of nine years, workers who reported high job strain at the beginning of the study experienced more sleep disturbances as time went on.

The study analyzed data from 1,721 participants in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, all of whom were around 51 years old on average.

Researchers used a standardized scale to measure sleep problems, focusing on four symptoms: difficulty falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to return to sleep, waking too early and being unable to fall back asleep, and feeling unrested during the day regardless of how much sleep was achieved.

Measuring Job Strain

To evaluate job strain, the researchers used Karasek’s Job-Demand-Control model, which combines measures of high job demands with low job control. This model defines job strain as a situation where workers face intense work pressure while having little autonomy or control over their tasks.

Six different ways of quantifying job strain were applied in the study, and all of them consistently showed that workers with high job strain at the start of the study experienced more sleep problems over time. These findings highlight the enduring effects of workplace stress on sleep health.

Importance of the Findings

Yijia Sun, the study’s lead author and a master’s student at the University of California, Los Angeles, noted the strength of their methods. “Our findings suggest that continuous measures of job strain provide more reliable and robust results, offering valuable evidence for future research in occupational health,” Sun said.

Corresponding author Jian Li, MD, Ph.D., a professor at UCLA, emphasized the practical implications of the study. He highlighted the urgent need for workplace strategies to reduce stress and improve employees’ well-being.

“Redesigning workloads to reduce demands and promoting worker autonomy could play an important role in enhancing sleep health and overall quality of life for workers,” he said.

The Broader Impact

Poor sleep is associated with a range of health problems, including increased risks of heart disease, depression, and reduced workplace productivity. This study underscores the importance of addressing job-related stress as a key factor influencing long-term sleep health.

Interventions aimed at reducing job strain could benefit not only individual workers but also organizations by fostering healthier, more productive workplaces.

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The research findings can be found in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.